Speaking Group welcomes American and international participants from the UNC campus and the local community. The group meets weekly when classes are in session to discuss topics of culture, university life, or language learning strategies and resources. Our goal is to create a comfortable space to converse in English, to share cultural perspectives, and to build global relationships in our local community.

Chapel Hill Community: Sign Up for the Speaking Group Email

We welcome members of the University and surrounding community. List members receive weekly suggested topics.

What happens in Speaking Group?

An English Language Specialist from the Writing Center attends each meeting to welcome participants and to facilitate the group meeting.

• The facilitator introduces the suggested topic then participants form small groups (3-5 participants) for 25 minutes
• Group members discuss the suggested topic or let the conversation evolve to other topics
• The facilitator encourages participants to form new groups and talk with different partners for the next 25 minutes
• Everyone rejoins the larger group to share anything interesting from their group conversation and to say goodbye

Please note: The facilitator will request PIDs from UNC students and scholars, but community members don’t need to worry about this. Community members can join without a PID.

Who can join Speaking Group?

• UNC students, including undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students
• Postdoctoral scholars, visiting scholars, research collaborators, and faculty
• Spouses and community members
• Native/fluent English speaking volunteers, we welcome your participation. Please see our volunteer guide

How do I join Speaking Group?

• Sign up for the Speaking Group Email using this form. You will receive a message regarding each week’s meeting.
• Show up to a meeting!

Other oral communication support

• English Language Resources